ALTHOUGH summer is still weeks away, a lot of people have already begun planning their summer trips and vacations. From sunny beaches with stretches of shore that can accommodate several beachside activities, to secluded islands that give off the castaway vibe for undisturbed days of relaxation, to hotels and Airbnbs that offer a change of scenery for those unwilling to hop on a plane for a vacation—the possibilities of summer are truly endless.
There is something about summer that just gives Filipinos an energy boost that can help them get to the “ber” months. But with everyone seemingly ready to book his or her flights to beaches around the archipelago, there is an oft-overlooked summer destination right in Luzon that can offer weary urbanites the reprieve they need right now without having to travel a long way.
A mere 68 kilometers from Metro Manila, a city high up is waiting with open arms for fatigued guests and weary souls. With an easily accessible route, dozens of family-owned cafés, restaurants and roadside diners, a cool climate that can chill even the most high-strung person out and a view that is simply majestic, Tagaytay is just one of the most accessible vacation spots for Manila urbanites.
On top of the world
Tagaytay’s main draw is inarguably the view that it offers travelers. Located along a mountain ridge and with an elevation that’s over 2,000 feet, Tagaytay offers a breathtaking view of Taal Lake and the volcano it hosts in its waters. Seeing the whole vista from such a vantage point gives you the feeling of being literally on top of the world.
The highlands offer a stunning view of the surrounding towns, mountains, forests and, of course, the lake. There are even places that were created specifically for the travelers’ viewing pleasure—you can simply pull over and take in the majestic beauty of the surroundings. Being able to see the sun rise from the east at a height that can only be described as towering is a feeling that cannot easily be forgotten.
But if the view is not enough for the adventurer in you, there are also daily trips to the Taal Volcano Island where you can check out the crater and maybe even hard boil an egg in the warm mud surrounding the currently non-active crater.
Getting to the crater is already an adventure in itself. Starting with a boat ride from the mainland to a hike through an uncemented trail to a horseback ride toward the crater itself, the trip can prove to be quite the journey for anyone looking for a different kind of fun.
The new foodie hub
Now, if you are a traveler who’s hankering for some good old-fashioned bulalo, Tagaytay is the right place for you. Tagaytay is the acknowledged home of bulalo. This delicious beef stew might look simple but there lies the magic of it. This uncomplicated dish is best when it is served piping hot and with all its fresh vegetables still nice and crunchy.
Ask anyone who has had a bowl of bulalo in the highlands and his or her will tell you that it truly is worth driving 68 km for. Southerners—those living in Alabang, Parañaque, Las Piñas and Cavite—are more than willing to go on a daytrip just so they can have lunch at their favorite bulalohan. In fact, even those living north of Manila make the long trip just so they can get their hands on a steaming bowl. The owners of restaurants in Tagaytay, like the Green ATS Bulalohan Restaurant, know this, and it is what inspires them to continue to serve the best bulalo they can every single time so that everyone would have the same gastronomical experience.
Make no mistake about it, bulalo is not the only gastronomical delight in Tagaytay, which has slowly risen to be Luzon’s new foodie hub. With accessible roads continuously being built toward the city and modernization catches up to the highlands, more and more eateries with different specialties are popping up to accommodate the influx of hungry visitors.
From a hearty breakfast at Tagaytay’s preferred bed and breakfast, Sonya’s Garden, to home-cooked style meals at one of the oldest family-owned restaurants, Tootsie’s, to a slice of warm pie with a cup of coffee on the side from Bag of Beans, you can go on an all-day foodtrip around the city with all the great restaurants and cafés there. The downside is, of course, your diet would have to take a back seat.
Exploring the highlands
Now, while you and your friends are digesting the delightful goodies Tagaytay has to offer, why not go around and explore the old city. Though I have already made my argument for Taal Lake and the island it holds, there are other places to see in this windy city.
If you are looking for some outdoorsy fun with your friends and family, then you’re in luck because Tagaytay is also home to a number of parks perfect for picnics and group sports. For one thing, there are always the usual go-to classics: the Tagaytay Picnic Grove and People’s Park in the Sky, and the fairly new theme park, Sky Ranch. Not only will these places help you be one with nature but they are great for getting kids to have some fun in the sun minus the sweat.
But if you are in the mood for a dose of local culture, then I suggest you head on over to the many museums located around the area. From the mind-boggling pieces in the Puzzle Mansion to the intricately carved glass sculptures in Museo Orlina, Tagaytay residents have ensured that visitors will not only be fed physically but mentally and creatively, as well.
However, while these activities are great, Tagaytay is also the perfect place for a staycation. With a number of hotels, hostels, inns, bed-and-breakfast lodges and Airbnb listings, you can easily choose to just chill out and catch up on those missed episodes and movies. Or to simply get away from the stress that comes with urban living. Just make sure you take a break to go outside and breadth some of that fresh mountain air every now and then.
Image credits: Anj Cansino, Aimee Chan